In the 2024-25 season, the Chicago Blackhawks showcased both surprises and disappointments. Leading the surprise category was Ryan Donato, who exceeded expectations with a remarkable 31-goal season. His versatility was highlighted as he demonstrated effectiveness across multiple line combinations. Frank Nazar also emerged as a dependable player, showing impressive consistency, particularly in the latter half of the season. Meanwhile, the Seth Jones trade proved advantageous for the Blackhawks, with general manager Kyle Davidson managing to secure a significant return, exceeding initial expectations.

On the downside, Philip Kurachev and Lucas Reichel were identified as major disappointments, with Kurachev's drop in performance from a 50-point season leading to concerns about his future. The Winter Classic performance was also called out as a major letdown, overshadowing the excitement surrounding the event. As for free agent signings, Teuvo Teravainen stood out positively, while TJ Brodie was marked as the most disappointing due to his underwhelming contributions.